10 Days South Xinjiang Tour: Kashgar, Pamir & Taklamakan

Today you will catch the flight to Kashgar. We will meet you at the airport with a welcome board, then bring you to the downtown hotel and check in. Have a good rest.

Driving on the China and Pakistan Highway. You can enjoy the magnificent Bulunkol Lake also known as Baisha Mountain (white Sand Mountain) is located in the Pamir Plateau, a large plateau in the Pamir mountain range at an altitude of about 3500 to 5000m with mountains up to more than 7000m, located next to the Karakoram Highway, so it is one of the must stop spot on the way to Karakul lake and Taxkorgan. This view shows the central part of the plateau from the southeast covering Tajikistan  in the center, Eastern China on the right and Afghanistan as well as northern Pakistan on the foreground left. Experience beautiful Karakul Lake where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds. The following day will be spent exploring the stunning landscape surrounding the highway, then overnight in Buzhoushan Campsite 

In the morning, depart from Karakul Lake and set out on a scenic drive along the Panlong Ancient Road, a breathtaking 30-kilometer mountain road renowned for its more than 600 sharp S-shaped and U-shaped bends. This dramatic route offers sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and winding ridges, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Continue the journey to Bandier Blue Lake, an enchanting alpine lake known for its striking turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding peaks and rugged landscapes. Spend some time here to admire the serene beauty and capture memorable photos of this hidden gem in the Pamir Plateau. In the late afternoon, return to Taxkorgan.

Today you will visit the Stone Fortress. The city is oval in shape and the city walls were built with sun-dried bricks on stone foundation. It is 1285 metres in circumference outside. Over the past few years, new wooden pathways have been constructed to allow tourist to walk these beautiful grasslands, known as the Golden Grassland. From here you can get even better photos of the Stone Fortress. Thereafter, we will drive back to Kashgar. 

Upon arrival We will pay a visit to the famous Sunday bazaar (available on Thursday and Sunday), The outdoor Animal Bazaar is the first bazaar we visit, where the farmers and buyers arriving by donkey cart, truck, bicycle, horseback, motorbike or on foot, with their animals. It's loud, lively and cheerful as they arrive. It is quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargain. 

Today meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby, then we will do full day Kashgar city excursion. we will visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities. around 10:30 we have to visit the Kashgar Old Town when the open ceremony ready to greeting all the tourists with the culture show, further exploration to the special culture and experience the lifestyle. Following a lunch in the local restaurant, continue the tour to the Apakh Hoja Tomb, which is the holiest place in Xinjiang and an architectural treasure. Kashgar city tour ends with the wandering to the bustling Handicraft street, dazzling jewelry, primitive pottery,unique musical instrument, daily resources of the locals. Say goodbye to Kashgar and catch the Flight to Turpan

After breakfast, we will drive to Turpan, and we will have an exploration at the oldest Tuyoq Village located in the very center of Flaming Mountain Canyon. It used to be the holy site of Buddhism and Islam. The village consists of four parts: Canyon scenery, Thousand Buddha Caves, Maza tomb and the old buildings of the ancient village. 

Afterwards, we will be back to Turpan for lunch and rest. In the afternoon,visit Jiaohe Ancient Ruins with a history of 2,300 years lies between two rivers on a plateau top a cliff of over 30m. It is one of the best preserved ruins of its ancient era in China, it was include in the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014. 

Morning head up to the Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious 

Back to Urumqi you will visit Xinjiang Regional Museum.is a key cultural institution showcasing the region's rich history and diverse ethnic heritage. Its notable exhibits include well-preserved ancient mummies, Silk Road artifacts, and extensive collections of ethnic costumes and everyday objects.

In the morning, we will meet you at the train station and bring you to hotel for rest and breakfast, then let’s pay a visit to another picturesque place -- Heavenly Lake! It is surrounded by the snow mountains, blooming wildflowers, evergreen pine trees so as to be an ideal resort as you can go there all the year round, enjoy the different view of the lake. Trekking along the lake leisurely or you can explore further to the Maya Mountain by the cable car to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. If you prefer water sports, then boating on the lake will be an excellent idea! Fully connected with the lovely lake by touching the water and appreciating the incredibly beautiful scenery at the same time. 

Then continue to drive back to Urumqi to stroll around the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. Here you can try yummy local food. After that, drive you to the hotel for rest.

After breakfast, at 9 am, drive about 80kms, 1.5hrs. We will arrive at Shuixigou County. Then we start to trek about 6kms one way to the water fall in the valley, and then back to the entrance to have lunch in the local Kazahk Yurt. On the way back to Urumqi, there is a 2kms’ trekking route which is named Tianshan Route. Today a special afternoon tea will be arranged for you to taste coffee and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nanshan.

Breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to your sweet home. It has been a great holiday and we look forward to seeing you another China trip.